Domaine de la Métairie d'Alon expansion

Domaine de la Métairie d'Alon, part of the Badet Clement portfolio, has unveiled plans for a major expansion programme.

Speaking to Harpers at the 2019 edition of Vinexpo, estate-owner Laurent Delaunay said that unprecedented demand for their Languedoc Pinot Noir had convinced the firm to expand production.

“I want to expand our 25 hectares of Pinot Noir to 50 hectares,” said Delaunay. “This is the future – Burgundy is just so expensive that owners seeking to bring new brands of Pinot Noir to the market must look further afield.

Domaine de la Métairie d'Alon is situated in the Limoux appellation of the Languedoc, renowned for its Methode Ancestral sparkling wine.

The estate is also due to release its inaugural sparkling wine in summer 2019 – a traditional method blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, aged for over 15 months on the lees.

“When you find a great terroir for Pinot Noir in France outside of Burgundy, you have to really champion it,” said Delaunay.

“There is clearly a market for quality sparkling wines, that are not Prosecco, but lack an expensive price tag.”

The rapid expansion of wine tourism across France was another popular topic at Vinexpo this year. Daniel Cathiard, owner of Smith Haut Lafitte, told Harpers that he has purchased a second hotel in the Loire Valley, which will be extensively renovated ready for a potential 2022 opening.